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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Hodgson

Man City player John Stones explains 'new dimension' he's added to his game in midfield

Manchester City's John Stones slotted back into midfield seamlessly for the FA Cup final win over Manchester United - and the 29-year-old loved every minute of it.

The England international has taken to his 'hybrid' role exceptionally during the second half of the campaign, with City having won the Premier League and FA Cup. The final hurdle is next weekend's Champions League final - against Inter in Istanbul - as Pep Guardiola's side look to seal the treble and make history.

Guardiola's game plan on the night will be fascinating to see, with Stones' role one thing to keep an eye on. His performance against United was a further example of his versatility - and quality - as a player. And Stones, who has always been comfortable with the ball at his feet, has thoroughly embraced the added pressure in possession.

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"We worked on it all week, my role and that responsibility," Stones told the BBC post-match. "It's definitely not (easy). I have really enjoyed understanding when I can receive a ball - my timing, body shape. I feel like, the players who've played in there, they've naturally got that 360 vision.

"They know what's behind them; I've not got that! So, my body shape, receiving the ball - I've honestly enjoyed learning everything about it and it's given me a new dimension.

"I was saying to Meeks (Micah Richards) the other week, about respecting someone playing that position when I don't - knowing when to give them the ball. It's little things like that and it obviously makes it better when it's like today."

Team-mate Jack Grealish - who was controversially penalised for handball in the first half at Wembley - was in total admiration of Stones performance.

"I've just said to John over there that he was a disgrace today," joked the City man. "He looked at me and I think he thought I was saying he'd been bad. No, he was unbelievable."

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